You don’t have to be depressed to practice self care — in fact, it’s probably better to take care of yourself before your stress levels get too high. Whether you’re feeling down or just want to invest more in your wellbeing, here are some creative, inspiring and uplifting ways to practice self care in San Antonio.

Take an outdoor yoga class with Mobile Om Various Locations For over a decade Mobile Om has been offering roving yoga classes around San Antonio with an emphasis on community and sharing space. These pop-up yoga experiences encourage connection and creativity. Join the class at locations like the Hays Street Bridge, Confluence Park or Mission Marquee.
Read a damn book, girl
While shaking your ass at La Semana Alegre is good for your mental health, life is all about balance. Now, it’s time to be still and read a damn book. San Antonio has plenty of local bookstores selling new and used books, like Nowhere Bookshop and the new San Antone Books, but if you’re strapped for cash you can go to one of the city’s many public libraries to find something to read.
Credit: Photo via Instagram / nowherebookshop
Take a stroll — or a hike — at a local park It’s not running away from your problems if you’re just walking. Taking a walk or a hike can help you re-center and take care of your body, and SA is covered in walkable outdoor spaces and parks to visit. Take a look at a comprehensive list here. Photo via Instagram / happy.mood.2021
Retreat to one of SA’s surrounding towns Sometimes getting out of town is the best way to perform self-care. There are plenty of picturesque nearby ‘burbs you can enjoy — such as Fredericksburg, Boerne and Poteet, just to name a few. Many Texas small towns have their own version of hustle and bustle, but it’s totally different than that of big cities. Slowing down can really recharge your spirit. Photo via Instagram / marc_hungrylawyer
Volunteer at a local nonprofit organization or charity You may not have the means to financially contribute to local charities, but that’s OK. Just donating your time can make you feel great and give you a sense of purpose, and organizations often need volunteer help just as much as material donations. Try volunteering at the San Antonio Food Bank, or with an animal shelter or river cleanup activity. It might just do you some good. Photo via Instagram / safoodbank
Relax at the Japanese Tea Garden The Japanese Tea Garden is one of San Antonio’s most popular landmarks for a reason. While it’s a pretty place to take photos — it’s located within picturesque Brackenridge Park — there’s plenty of spots to sit and observe the serene water, lush flora and the beautiful people who visit them. Photo via Instagram / insanejester17
Treat yourself to some free flicks Slab Cinema, San Antonio’s favorite purveyor of outdoor film screenings, has something for everyone to enjoy. The locally-base company partners with various venues throughout the city to feature everything from classic James Bond films to the latest blockbusters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Photo via Instagram / slabcinema
Slow down for a meditation session Just about everyone can agree that meditation is self-care. Whether you take the time to reflect on your problems, to center yourself or to think about nothing of importance at all, meditation is ubiquitously good for you — even if you’re not stressed out. If your space isn’t the best for meditation, you can find public sessions hosted by a local center operated by namaste experts like the Shambhala Meditation Center. Photo via Instagram / rubycity
Get some inspiration at a local museum or art gallery San Antonio has a plethora of museums and galleries showcasing beautiful works of art, including Ruby City, the McNay and Blue Star Contemporary. You can find inspiration on a visit, or use it as an opportunity to get out of the house and do something that you might not do under normal circumstances. Either way, going to a museum or gallery can be a creative and aesthetically pleasing way to reset your perspective on things. Photo courtesy of Ruby City
Credit: Photo via Instagram / elsewheresatx
Pick up a new hobby Arts and crafts are a rewarding way to spend your free time — but as adults it can feel overwhelming to try to learn a new skill. Several local outlets — such as the City of San Antonio and UTSA — offer community art and craft classes for adults in subjects like painting, jewelry-making and ceramics. Photo via Unsplash / Steve Johnson
Clear your head with a staycation at a local hotel or Airbnb Get all the benefits of a vacation without the stress of airports or travel itineraries by checking in to luxurious lodgings in the Alamo City. Whether you choose to stay at a fancy hotel like the Hotel Emma or find an eclectic rental on Airbnb, it’ll be nice to get away from it all. You don’t even have to leave San Antonio city limits. Photo via Instagram / thehotelemma
Get a massage Sometimes the best way to banish stress is to get it physically worked out of your body. Whether you want an intense sports massage to reset your muscles or just want to a feel-good pampering session, head to a local massage center and get the relaxing care that you need. Photo via Unsplash / Conscious Design
Picks Bar SA 4553 North Loop 1604 W #1101, (210) 253-9220, picksbar.com Vivid colors, choice drinks and live band karaoke make this far north SA venue a must-go for music-minded adrenaline junkies. Singing alongside an extremely talented live band — which can perform over 650 songs — brings out your inner rock star. Of course, the expertly crafted cocktails probably help with that, too. Photo via Instagram / retronouveautx
Brown Coffee Company 812 S Alamo St. #115, browncoffeeco.com Calling all coffee snobs: Walk into Brown Coffee Co. and you will immediately understand that this place is serious about its beans. The minimalist design is sleek and clean, providing few distractions from the main point of focus. What’s even more minimalistic than the decor is the actual coffee menu itself. Brown’s knowledgeable baristas craft coffee and espresso beverages from their in-house roasted beans. Walk in a coffee novice and leave a neophyte connoisseur. Photo via Instagram / browncoffeeco
Participate in a 5K or marathon Self-care doesn’t have to be limited to relaxation — it’s also good to get your heart pumping (just not from anxiety!). There’s nothing that feels quite like running or walking a 5K or marathon. Plus, training for an event can be a good motivator for those who have trouble getting into a fitness routine. Photo via Instagram / saparksandrec
Cook (or learn how to make) your favorite meal with a relative. Learning to cook is a special skill that often gets passed from family member to family member. Not only does it teach you how to do something or improve your skills if you already know your way around the kitchen, but it cultivates familial love. Embrace the fondness that fills the kitchen when you cook with others, even if you don’t really feel like it at first. You’ll be glad you did. Photo via Unsplash / Max Delsid
Dance it out at a local club Need to shake it out? Then maybe it’s time to hit the dance floor. Whether you want to get down at the Bonham Exchange or two-step at Cowboys Dancehall, there’s plenty of options for a night out on the town. Photo by Julian P. Ledezma
Explore the San Antonio Botanical Garden Taking up 38 acres, the Botanical Garden is home to trails, a pond and an abundance of native plants. With multiple greenhouses, an authentic Japanese garden and a trail showcasing three distinctive ecological regions of Texas, there’s plenty of natural beauty to enjoy year round. Photo courtesy of San Antonio Botanical Garden
Pamper yourself with a spa treatment The Alamo City offers many spas that host services to cleanse and relax your entire body, from your nose to your toes and everything in between. Skin care, manicures and sauna services ensure you’re giving your whole body the benefit of self care. Photo via Unsplash / engin akyurt